Winter often brings a lot of unique problems for a homeowner, particularly when the weather gets really cold. Have you ever found yourself wondering: why won’t my garage door close all the way when it’s cold?
There are a few common reasons why your garage door might struggle to fully close in cold weather. The metal components may have warped or stiffened as the temperature has changed, the lubrication may have hardened, you may have problems with ice, or it might be due to other issues with damage, wear, or the automatic mechanism.
Read ahead in this article to discover exactly why you’re having problems completely closing your garage door so that you can get it working smoothly again in no time.
How Does the Cold Affect Your Garage Doors?
If you’re noticing that your doors keep sticking or they won’t close all the way when the temperatures drop, it may not be a coincidence. Cold weather can cause problems for the mechanism and the components of the door, which could be preventing it from working as smoothly as it normally does.
Metal Parts May Have Contracted
If you’re finding that your door is stiff or awkward to close when it’s cold, it may well be because the actual mechanism has changed shape slightly. Metal contracts in cold temperatures, and this can lead to the springs in your garage door seizing up, or it can cause metal parts to warp.
You might just need to lubricate these parts to get them moving again, but if they are seriously warped, they may need repairing or replacing.
The Grease May Have Hardened
As a general rule: if something that should move is not moving then it could do with some lubricant. All of the moving parts in your garage door will have been lubricated to allow them to move smoothly, but grease can harden in cold weather.
You might need to work some solvent into the stiff components to clear them out, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that is designed for cold temperatures.
Ice May Have Formed
Of course, one of the main risks to your property during the winter is ice. Any water that has frozen around your door may be preventing it from fully closing. Clearing away the ice around the door is potentially a quick and easy solution to the problem.
Unfortunately, ice can cause more problems than just getting in the way. Water expands as it freezes, and you may find that parts of the door have warped or been damaged as ice has formed.
Is The Cold The Reason Your Garage Door Is Not Closing?
Of course, it may not be the temperature that has caused the problems you are having. It’s worth checking other common issues that may be stopping your door from closing all the way.
Other possible causes could be:
- The Door is Blocked or Jammed: It may sound basic, but you should look to see if anything is blocking the door and stopping it from closing all the way. This is definitely something that you want to investigate early on. It’s easy to miss something small that’s wedged into a corner or packed down into the tracks somewhere.
- Faulty Remote: One of the most frequent problems can be one of the simplest to resolve. Check the batteries in your remote and try manually opening and closing the door to see if it is working how you expect.
- Faulty Sensors: If the door is working normally when you open it by hand, but you can’t find a problem with the remote, then it may be your sensors that have an issue. Try wiping off any condensation that may have formed and making sure they are properly aligned.
- Worn Tracks: If your door uses tracks and rollers to open, these are likely to wear down and even warp over time. This will prevent the door from opening and closing properly.
- Damaged Springs: The springs on your garage door balance out its weight, allowing it to open and close smoothly and easily. If these are damaged at all, they will need repairing or replacing.
Can You Fix a Garage Door by Yourself?
Many of the problems that might be preventing your garage door from closing all the way are relatively easy to tackle yourself. Removing a build-up of ice, replacing the batteries in your remote, or adjusting your sensors are all pretty simple tasks.
If there are issues with the physical structure of the door or any of the component parts, though, it is usually worth getting a technician in to take a look.
Warped or damaged tracks can make your door dangerous to operate, and they are difficult things to repair or replace safely. Equally, fixing a problem with your garage door springs is a risky job that is best left to a professional.
What Lubricant Works Best For Garage Doors in Cold Weather?
You should always keep your garage door properly lubricated to prevent damage and wear over time, especially over the winter when the metal will contract.
Lubricating the moving parts of your garage door can be a quick fix, but you do want to make sure you are using the right stuff. The wrong kind of lubricant can seize up again in cold weather, which almost causes more problems than it solves.
You should look for a high-quality, silicone-based lubricant, preferably one that can easily be sprayed into smaller crevices. You want it to be water resistant and protective against rust and oxidation as well, and make sure to check that it is designed for use in freezing temperatures.
Summary: Why Won’t My Garage Door Close All the Way When It’s Cold?
So, why is your garage door not closing all the way when it’s cold? Well, it may be because the metal parts have changed shape because of the reduced temperatures, your lubricant may have hardened, or you may be having issues with ice.
Of course, it may not be the cold that is at fault. You might have problems with your remote or your sensor, there may have been some wear and tear on the tracks or rollers, or your springs might be damaged.